Captain Sensible
25 July 2020 2265 comments
DavidMunday815 DavidMunday815
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Fantasy Premier League managers are faced with a wealth of viable choices for the captaincy on the final day of the 2019/20 season.

With so much riding on the Gameweek 38+ fixtures, knowing that any number of armband candidates stand a chance of exploding may take the pressure off the decision and allow more focus on the ownership of each asset.

To help you pick the best captain for your team, the Captain Sensible article is back for one last hurrah, analysing the statistical form of players over their last four matches and comparing them with the defences they are about to face.

As this uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

Captain Poll

Raheem Sterling (£12.0m) is the clear winner of the captain poll for Gameweek 38+ pulling in the support of 35.6% in the final vote of the season.

There is very little surprise about the Manchester City midfielder topping the charts here, considering he has five double-figure hauls since the Premier League returned and recently claimed penalty-taking duties from Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m), who is backed by just 6.6% of our readers.

David Silva (£7.5m) is also set to play a part in the captaincy conversation after 13% of our voters deemed him the best option for the final Gameweek of the season. It also happens to be the Spaniard’s last Premier League game for Manchester City, suggesting he could go out with a bang. That seems likely when we consider he has averaged 10.5 points per appearance at home during Project Restart.

De Bruyne and Foden unlucky as Silva and Sterling score big for Man City

The backing for both Sterling and Silva is, of course, underpinned by Norwich’s obliging defence. The Canaries have let in 18 goals since Gameweek 30+, an average of 2.3 per game.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) may have blanked in each of his last three outings, but there is still an outside chance he can wrestle the Golden Boot trophy away from Jamie Vardy (£9.7m). Watford come to the Emirates Stadium having conceded three goals in three of their last five away matches, while Aubameyang has scored six times in as many home Premier League appearances.

With the same amount of the support in the poll (11%), Harry Kane (£10.9m) comes into Gameweek 38+ with a brace in each of his last two games. That has convinced a portion of the Fantasy community that the Spurs forward will have an enjoyable trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon. 

using-the-top-10000-ownership-to-increase-your-fpl-rank-andys-article 8

Crystal Palace have found themselves in the middle of a rotten defensive crisis as the 2019/20 campaign comes to a close. They have at least two goals in each of their last five Premier League matches, and will face Spurs short of Patrick van Aanholt (£5.6m), Gary Cahill (£4.3m), James Tomkins (£4.9m) and, most likely, Mamadou Sakho (£5.0m).

Another team in disarray at the back are Newcastle, who have flags against seven different defenders ahead of hosting Liverpool on Sunday. That could be good news for Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), who clearly has a been under his bonnet having not scored in each of his last three despite a whole host of opportunities. The Egyptian has arguably been the most exciting Liverpool player recently and a beleaguered Newcastle defence could be exactly what he needs to get that explosive haul he has been promising.

Christian Pulisic (£7.4m), Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m), Riyad Mahrez (£8.6m), Gabriel Jesus (£9.9m) and Anthony Martial (£8.5m) are the only other options with more than 1% support in the poll.

Player statistics – Last four matches

2,265 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. One More Hit
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    A) Robbo + Giroud
    B) Saiss + Vardy

    Leaning towards A, figured both strikes probably have a one goal ceiling?

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      A

    2. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      A

  2. sandman58
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    A) Digne & Jesus
    or
    B) Branthwaite & Kane

    1. One More Hit
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      B

  3. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Bench boost for GW38+

    Pope (Martinez)
    TAA Doherty Mendy Lamptey (Digne) Bruno KDB Martial Pulisic (Dilva)
    Vardy Ings (Greenwood)

    Last roll of the dice...
    A Vardy/Mendy to Kane/Pieters -4
    B Salah to Sterling
    C Fernandes/Vardy to Antonio/Kane -4
    D Mendy to Pieters

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      C

  4. Pinturicchio10
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Pope
    TAA, Aurier, VVD
    Son, Bruno, Martial, Mahrez, Antonio
    Jimenez, Jesus

    Patricio, Greenwood, Boly, Lascelles

    1ft 1.2itb

    Honestly may end up making no transfers for the final week provided all these start.

    A) Boly -> Mendy
    B) United mid -> Silva
    C) Jesus -> Kane / Aubameyang
    D) Son -> De Bruyne

    Wont take a hit due to rank so Sterling ain't happening. WWYD....

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      B

      1. Pinturicchio10
        6 years, 29 days ago

        That Leicester defence though...

        1. Hairy Potter
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          C then

          1. Pinturicchio10
            6 years, 29 days ago

            Leaves one City player for what is likely to be a mauling. I'm so torn.

            1. Hairy Potter
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 29 days ago

              Go for A maybe

              1. Pinturicchio10
                6 years, 29 days ago

                Bench Aurier vs Palace. Oh my days. This is one of those gwks where I just absolutely hate this game. May only happen once or twice a season.

                Cheers for input.

                1. Hairy Potter
                  • 11 Years
                  6 years, 29 days ago

                  No worries, don't think there is an obvious answer and sounds like you're working through the options.

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Jimenez and Boly to Kane and Williams (3.8)

      1. Pinturicchio10
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Not taking a hit.

  5. Eldon
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    KDB + Dilva + Antonio

    Or

    Sterling + Dilva + Foden

    1. sandman58
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      B because u can captain Sterling

  6. Bleh
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Who wins?

    A. Mahrez
    B. Sterling (-4)

    1. Bleh
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Should probably add C. Antonio

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      A

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      A

    4. lilmessipran
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      A

  7. Hairy Potter
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Which do you think scores more?

    A) VVD & Rashford
    B) VVD & Greenwood
    C) Bardsley & Kane - 4

  8. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 17 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Lol at folk selling KDB before Norwich. It shouldn't even be a thing.

    Fpl should take the option away from you for your own mental well being

    1. HollywoodXI
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      ^ This

    2. tokara
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      A lion doesn't concern itself with the opinion of sheep.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Such an awful phrase.

        1. TheDragon
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          A lion wouldn’t say that 😉

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 17 Years
            6 years, 29 days ago

            😀 I’m a wolf in sheep’s clothing

        2. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          I wonder if a lion would eat a sheep, slow easy kill but covered in think wool - hair balls aplenty!

          1. Eat my goal!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 29 days ago

            Thick*

      2. Ginkapo FPL
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Why not?

      3. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Wonder who is lion in this case and who is sheep! 😆

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          i was trying to work that one out.

      4. Hairy Potter
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        How many lions have ever seen a sheep?

        1. tokara
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          Good point lol

        2. el polako
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          In Narnia or real world ?

          1. Amey
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 29 days ago

            Jumanji

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      It’s bonkers when I look at it - I’ve done KdB to DSilva, which leaves exactly enough in the bank to do Bruno to Salah.

      That’s KdB and Bruno out. For a hit.

      But it’s GW38 and I need to differentiate my team and hope I get lucky over 1 week.

      1. Werkself
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        A hit in GW 38 makes me think your chasing. If so, you're getting rid of the players the free-hitters are selling and bringing in the players that everyone is buying, which is not differentiating and contrary to making up ground. So I agree - it's bonkers. But hey, no guts, no glory. Good luck.

    4. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Won't really hurt even if he scores 30pts, it's last week, time to avoid boring picks...

    5. lilmessipran
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Not many are "Selling" per se, just some going without him on "FH" in order to catch a few differentials and make up some ground in their Mini leagues, which is risky but could work out

    6. jason_ni
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      On fh, hoping for another price drop before tomorrow, give me extra budget!

    7. Amey
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Non FH player's taking the risk

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 17 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        FH is different. Although he is going to be hungry for assists and nothing to stop him scoring . If i was on a FH he would be my second city pick 100%

        I have seen some take a -4 to bring Sterling in at his expense . Maybe they have nothing to lose

        1. Amey
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          Exactly
          Watching other FH teams making them uncomfortable IMHO

    8. el polako
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      People gamble on Pep's roulette thats all.
      Its not unthinkable that D Silva, Sterling and lets say Mahrez score better thank KDB especially since little Spaniard likely to play and with him on the pitch KDB drops bit deeper.

      1. tokara
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Good Point

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 17 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        You would expect him to be as nailed as can be though. Record chasing and will be starting vs Madrid so will be needing rhythem

        1. el polako
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          Absoluteley, its just the question of which 3 City assets score most points and we are all on our own in asnwering it.
          There is no right or wrong approach, I had KDB since GW1 and still considering swapping him for Rahim S.

    9. Party time
      6 years, 29 days ago

      My balls are actually really large so yes no Kdb although I have other City attacking options

    10. fish&chips
      • 16 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Scored 17 points in the last 5 despite city scoring a hatful of goals. Of course he could haul but I don't think KDB -> Sterling who is in great form is a bad option, particularly if you're chasing and those above you don't have sterling

  9. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Morning, which defenders 4.2 or below are worth a -4 on bench boost?

    Already have Pieters.

    Thanks

    1. tokara
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      United williams?

    2. lilmessipran
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Not many really, Branthwate at Everton maybe? depends who you will be playing instead

      1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Injured players

    3. TheDragon
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Branthwaite?

      1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Again trying to think if he’s worth a -4

    4. TheTinman
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Yeah if you need more than one, you could goo B Williams 3.8m and KWP 4.4m

      1. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Not worth a -8 though right?

  10. lilmessipran
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Bottomed ... On Free hit, which looks like the better option

    A Auba + Long (triple Bur Defense)
    B Martial/8.2 mid + Robbo ( doub Bur defense)

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      B

    2. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      B

    3. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      B

    4. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      B for me

  11. Kaiser123
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Would the ML leaders go for Sterling blocker. i have 50 points lead, Sterling is the only one who could get 40 points as captain i reckon. It would take a -8 to get him.

    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      If the other -4 an upgrade also then could well be the safe option. No guarantees in this game though, remember losing a similar lead due to Giroud (C) for opp on last day..

  12. TheTinman
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Sneaky suspicion that Neco Williams starts...

    1. TheDragon
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Over TAA?

    2. jason_ni
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Already has his 5 league appearances... and he got a rest 2 games back, but no one really knows.
      Except Rockstar!

    3. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Doubt it unless one of TAA or Robbo are hungover tom morning.

    4. TheTinman
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Nothing to do with rests or hangovers. I just think Klopp continues blooding another youngster that's all.

      1. MrZ
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        That's my concern.
        But scary going without him.

  13. FPL Pillars
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Pick one:

    A Greenwood and Robbo
    B Ings and Pieters

    Thx

  14. Fantasy 11
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    On FH. Is this good to go?

    Martinez
    Porters mendy bardsley
    Dilva salah Antonio sterling martial
    Kane Auba

    Salah or kdb for this. Or any other suggestions ? Tq

  15. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Hi all, thoughts on the best combo here...quite tough.

    Martinez
    XXX • Pieters • Long --- Williams simpson
    Salah • Sterling • Dilva • Mahrez • XXX
    Kane • XXX --- connolly

    A: Aurier + Antonio + Rashford
    B: Aurier + Martial + Ings
    C: Robbo + Antonio + Ings

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      C

  16. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Who is the best punt of premium defender for GW 38:
    A. Van Dijk
    B. Digne
    C. Azpilicueta
    D. Alonso

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Digne would be my pick

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      I fancy VVD at corners against Newcastle's depleted central defence.

  17. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Chelsea v wolves

    Both playing for europe!

    Wolves have had 1 game less and 2 days more rest!

    1. jason_ni
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      YES.

      YES.

      YES.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        😀

      2. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Lol, I’m just thinking that it’s a really tough fixture for Chelsea and their assets

        1. tokara
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          Its stamford bridge

          Expect lots of goals in this one

    2. Amey
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      1-2

  18. XX SMICER XX
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    I am 0.1M off this team. I’m stuck on what to do?

    Pope
    TAA Robertson Pieters
    Sterling DSilva Mahrez Mane Martial
    Kane Greenwood

    3.9 Connolly Williams 3.9

    1. XX SMICER XX
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Robbo & Mane to VVD & Salah???

      1. Hairy Potter
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Sounds good

      2. KAPTAIN KANE SERVES THE PAI…
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Yes that or Pope to Martinez

  19. Weasel51
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Pick a duo:

    A) Vardy + Mahrez

    B) Jesus + Martial

    C) Aubameyang + Dilva (-4)

    1. TheTinman
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      C

  20. Von Lipwig
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Any chance Sterling blanks?

    1. Bleh
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      I sincerely hope so!

    2. jason_ni
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      as an owner.. and likely capper id take it.. 1 point separates 2nd and 4th in cash ml, and they both likely to TC him!

    3. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      No

  21. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    How does this FH team look?

    3-4-3
    Martinez
    Aurier Pieters Bardsley
    Dilva Mahrez Sterling Salah
    Auba Kane Ings

    Should I try to fit KDB? Should I swap Ings for Antonio/Pulisic?

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Nice but not sure I see Arsenal keeping CS

      1. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        0 ITB so can't really upgrade
        I'll have to probably do Ings to Antonio going 3-5-2 and I'll be able to afford McCarthy.
        Worth it?

  22. Wigg_1992
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Fernandes to Son -4?

    Catching a mini league rival who has Fernandes but not Son

  23. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Finish off this FH team

    Martinez
    TAA - Bardsley - Pieters
    Dilva - Salah - Sterling - ? - ?
    Kane - Ings

    A) KdB & Martial
    B) Mahrez & Son

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Only if you finish me off.

      1. JabbaWookiee
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        You go first

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          So selfish... I’d be tempted by B if you’re not going to captain KdB.

      2. jason_ni
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        oh matron.

    2. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      A

    3. Bleh
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Any chance of Martial & Mahrez?

      1. JabbaWookiee
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Would give me £1.8m to play with. How could I upgrade elsewhere?

        1. XX SMICER XX
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 29 days ago

          Use it to bring in Pope and Aurier?

  24. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Is jimmy starting?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      You just know the cradle baby celebration is coming.

      1. JabbaWookiee
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        This

    2. tokara
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Coach already says starting!!!!

    3. Tomerick
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Yes. I just told you Santo says he starts.

  25. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Sell bruno for mahrez for -4?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Probably. Tough.

    2. tokara
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Will he start

      1. Letsgo!
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Mahrez? Of course!

  26. The Head-Ake
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Is it decent of a move losing Pope to strengthen defense and get another (2) Burnley defender instead? Looking at Mccarthy

    1. JabbaWookiee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Why not Martínez?

      1. The Head-Ake
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 29 days ago

        Watford could put up a fight to avoid relegation, no?

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      I've just done it on FH. Makes sense if you need to upgrade a defender.

    3. L S P
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      I’ve done this.

      Currently on Martinez but might find .1 to get McCarthy for the reasons you outline. Tho SOU DEF isn’t all that great and Martinez could rack up some save points if WAT can figure out how to shoot...

  27. AdamJ91
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    On a FH;

    A) Martinez, Pieters & KDB
    or
    B) Pope, Aurier & Mahrez

    1. jason_ni
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      toss a coin, both look good.

    2. In and Out
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      B

  28. noquarternt
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Harry Kane 2 goals off RVP’s total of PL goals...

    1. tokara
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Nice

  29. Sprets
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Would appreciate any thoughts:

    Martinez
    Doherty Tark TAA
    Mahrez Bruno Martial KDB
    Greenwood Jesus Ings

    1FT 1.9itb

    Leading ML by 30 points

    1. LC1
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Mahrez to Dilva?

  30. In and Out
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 29 days ago

    Can you activate FH like a wild card or is it a one time transfer?

    1. jason_ni
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 29 days ago

      Same a wc, make as many transfers you want up to deadline